Jammu, Jan 7: A one-day seminar of the Jammu and Kashmir Senior Citizens Council was held on Tuesday at K. L. Sehgal Hall, Cultural Academy, Jammu, with participation from senior citizens representing all regions of the Union Territory, including the Kashmir Valley.
The seminar was chaired by Mohammad Gafoor Dar, Chairman of the Council. Several senior leaders and central body office bearers addressed the gathering, including Abdul Majeed Bicho, Sardar Kulwant Singh, Balwan Singh Jamwal, Mohammad Aslam Khan, and Ghulam Hussain Wani. District presidents, vice presidents, and chief organizers from across Jammu and Kashmir were also present.
Addressing the seminar, Mohammad Gafoor Dar urged senior citizens to unite under the platform of the Council to strengthen their collective voice for the protection and resolution of issues faced by the elderly. He emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to ensure dignity, improved healthcare, and social security for senior citizens in the Union Territory.
The seminar witnessed detailed discussions and debates on a range of social, medical, and economic challenges confronting senior citizens. Prominent speakers, including Mushtaq Badana, Ghulam Nabi Dhobi, Amar Singh, D. N. Raing, Sajad Mirza, Dr. Javeed Katoch, Manshoor Banihali, Aya Smeh, and D. Shamir, highlighted the growing concerns related to inadequate pensions, healthcare access, and social support systems.
Key demands raised during the seminar included enhancement of old age pension to ₹5,000 per month, an increase in medical allowance to ₹1,000 or more, improved healthcare facilities and dedicated transportation services for senior citizens, establishment of senior citizens clubs at district, tehsil, and block levels, and provision of special healthcare facilities for senior citizens in government hospitals.
The seminar concluded with a call for sustained advocacy and engagement with the authorities to address the issues affecting senior citizens and to ensure their welfare and dignity.
